Media Release: International Firefighters’ Day 2005

The public is being encouraged to support the day, and recognise the efforts of the firefighters both in South Australia and across the globe who have died in the line of duty.

To date, 13 South Australian volunteer firefighters have died in action while serving in the CFS between 1979 and 2005.

CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said that this year carries the added sadness of the loss of two firefighters who died during the devastating bushfire on the Eyre Peninsula on 11 January.

“That day was an extraordinary day for our crews. More than 2 500 CFS volunteers responded to 57 incidents across the State including major fires at Wangary, Mount Osmond, Rendelsham and Mount Bold,” Euan said.

“An entire generation change has occurred since the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983. On Tuesday, 11 January, it was the first time many CFS members experienced such devastation caused by bushfire.

“The events of that day attracted international media attention. Many reporters form across the globe found it difficult to comprehend that CFS firefighters are actually volunteers,” he said.

“We have more than 16 500 volunteers who continually place the needs of others ahead of their own. As most people are leaving a fire, they’re going in.

The day is also known as St Florian’s Day. St Florian, the patron saint of all firefighters, was the first known commander of a firefighting squad in the Roman Empire.

He lost his life for fulfilling the same mission firefighters all over the world share today.

International Firefighters’ Day is already recognised by numerous countries across the globe including Australia, the UK, USA, Lithuania, Peurto Rico, Germany and New Zealand.

For more information about International Firefighters’ Day log onto www.firefightersday.org